Williamsburg Mayor Zeidler M.A. ’76 not seeking reelection

Williamsburg Mayor Jeanne Zeidler M.A. ’76 will not run for a fifth term in the spring city council elections, she announced Friday.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of this community for nearly 20 years,” Zeidler said in a written statement. “I am proud of the many accomplishments of city government during this time, that sustained the unique character of this special place, enhanced the quality of life for our citizens, and maintained the city’s widespread reputation as a center of history and education.”

Zeidler was first elected to city council in 1994 and was chosen to be the city’s first female mayor in 1998, a position she has held since. Prior to her time on city council Zeidler served on the Williamsburg-James City County School Board.

Some of Zeidler’s accomplishments as mayor include serving as executive director of Jamestown 2007, planning and overseeing the extensive festivities that accompanied the 400th anniversary of that settlement’s foundation; assisting in the creation of the High Street complex; involving the city in more Hampton Roads regional issues; and, most recently, setting up meetings between city leaders and student leaders at the College of William and Mary to improve town-gown relations.

The May city council elections are for two of five seats: Zeidler’s, which is now open, and that of Councilman Bobby Braxton, who has not yet announced whether he will seek reelection.

The position of mayor is selected from among the city council by the five members.